Equality and Human Rights Commission calls on UK government to ban “harmful” conversion therapy practices
The UK’s equality watchdog, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), has called on the government to ban “harmful” conversion therapy practices, which seek to change or suppress someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The EHRC says legislation to outlaw conversion therapy should be
The UK’s equality watchdog, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), has called on the government to ban “harmful” conversion therapy practices, which seek to change or suppress someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
The EHRC says legislation to outlaw conversion therapy should be included in the King’s Speech in November.
Baroness Kishwer Falkner, who chairs the EHRC, has now written to Women and Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch insisting the legislation “is needed”.
The letter states: “Legislation to ban harmful conversion practices is needed, and… thorough and detailed scrutiny remains imperative to ensure that any ban is fully effective in protecting people with the protected characteristics of sexual orientation and gender reassignment from harm, while avoiding any unintended consequences.
“As such, I hope to see this legislation in the forthcoming King’s Speech.”
It was reported last month that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was to drop plans to ban converwion therapy, despite despite the Conservativesvowing to legislate against the controversial practice five years ago during Theresa May’s tenure as prime minister.
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